After Rebeca Bernardo’s mother suffered a debilitating stroke, the 18-year-old tried waitressing and other “legitimate” forms of employment to raise funds for mom’s care.

But when that wasn’t enough, Bernardo turned to the world’s oldest profession. Inspired by fellow Brazilian Catarina Migliorini, who raised $ 780,000 by auctioning off her virginity, Bernardo decided to put her first time on the block.

“There comes a time when you have to make decisions to get what you want,” Bernardo explained. “You have to be strong.”

Bernardo posted a YouTube video in late November which announced her intentions to sell her virginity to the highest bidder which, so far, is $35,000.

Because of the auction and the publicity surrounding it, Bernardo has been the subject of ridicule in her hometown, with some of her neighbors throwing coins at her when she walks by. Others support her decision, pointing out that she never really knew her father and her sister recently died, making Rebeca her mother’s only hope.

As for mom, who Bernardo spoon feeds, she’s not really down with the virginity auction.

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